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Notable events involving Annamite include:

28 May 1942
Around 0700Z/28, west-south-west of Freetown, in position 06°40'N, 16°50'W, HMS Carnarvon Castle (Capt.(Retd.) E.W. Kitson, RN) encountered a Vichy-French convoy made up of the merchant vessels Chelma (4968 GRT, built 1920), Fort de Souville (5229 GRT, built 1918), Tours (4158 GRT, built 1920) and Ville d'Oran (10172 GRT, built 1936). They were escorted by the minesweeping sloop Annamite.

The convoy was left alone and was allowed to continue on its voyage. (1)

26 Nov 1943

Combined convoy OS 60 / KMS 34.

This combined convoy assembled off Oversay on 26 November 1943.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Alex (British, 3932 GRT, built 1914), Allerton (British, 7195 GRT, built 1941), Baron Ramsay (British, 3650 GRT, built 1929), Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942), Benton Field (British, 1124 GRT, built 1943), Chief Joseph (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Clan Forbes (British, 7529 GRT, built 1938), Clan MacBean (British, 5000 GRT, built 1918), Colytto (Dutch, 4408 GRT, built 1926), Elswick Park (British, 4138 GRT, built 1920), Empire Chamois (British, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Empire Chivalry (British, 6007 GRT, built 1937), Empire Jessica (British, 2890 GRT, built 1943), Empire Planet (British, 4290 GRT, built 1923), Empire Torridge (British, 4050 GRT, built 1923), Erastus Smith (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Fauzon (French, 4376 GRT, built 1938), Flimston (British, 4674 GRT, built 1925), Fort Alexander (British, 7127 GRT, built 1942), Fort Augustus (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gabon (Norwegian, 4651 GRT, built 1931), Hardanger (Norwegian, 4000 GRT, built 1924), Inventor (British, 6210 GRT, built 1935), Jerome K. Jones (American, 7199 GRT, built 1943), Jobshaven (Dutch, 3528 GRT, built 1916), John M. Harlan (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Kaldfonn (Norwegian (tanker), 9931 GRT, built 1936), Kerma (British, 4333 GRT, built 1928), Mary Kingsley (British, 5021 GRT, built 1930), Nairung (British, 5414 GRT, built 1942), Narwick (Polish, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Nassa (British (tanker), 8134 GRT, built 1942), Norefjord (Norwegian, 3082 GRT, built 1920), Norfalk (British, 5675 GRT, built 1919), Pandorian (British, 4159 GRT, built 1941), Scorton (British, 4813 GRT, built 1939), Silverteak (British, 6770 GRT, built 1930), Simon Willard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Souliotis (Greek, 4299 GRT, built 1917), Stad Haarlem (Dutch, 4518 GRT, built 1929), Stuyvesant (Dutch, 4249 GRT, built 1918), Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928), Timok (Yugoslavian, 3130 GRT, built 1924), Tudor Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Vera Radcliffe (British, 5587 GRT, built 1925), Wellington Court (British, 4979 GRT, built 1930) and William Kent (American, 7187 GRT, built 1942).

The rescue ship Fastnet (British, 1415 GRT, built 1928) was also with the convoy as was the French survey vessel President Theodore Tissier.

On assembly the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Fencer (Capt. E.W. Anstice, RN), destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN), corvettes HMS Abelia (Lt. R.I. Floris, RNZNR), HMS Clover (Lt. P.H. Grieves, RNR), HMS Linaria (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Jameson, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Northern Spray (Lt. F.A.J. Downer, RNR) and HMS Northern Sun (T/Lt. H. Meredith, RNVR).

On 27 November 1943, the frigate HMS Avon (Lt.Cdr. P.G.A. King, RD, RNR) joined coming from Londonderry.

On 1 December 1943, the frigates HMS Nene (Cdr. J.D. Birch, RD, RNR), HMS Tweed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) and corvettes HMCS Lunenburg (T/Lt. D.L. Miller, RCNVR) and HMCS Snowberry (T/Lt. J.A. Dunn, RCNVR) joined . These ships had departed Plymouth on 28 November 1943. They parted company with the convoy on 3 December 1943 to join convoy MKF 26. Also on 1 December 1943, a fighter from HMS Fencer reported shooting down a German Focke Wolf reconnaissance aircraft.

On 2 December 1943, the destroyer HMS Walker (Lt.Cdr. A.N. Rowell, RN) overtook and joined the convoy after having departed Londonderry on 30 November. She had grounded on 27 November when originally sailing to join the convoy and had needed repairs.

Also on 2 December 1943, the Allerton arrived in the Clyde after having been detached from the convoy, most likely due to engine trouble.

Around 0515Z/6, HMS Fencer parted company with the convoy to join the combined convoy SL 141 / MKS 32.

Also on 6 December 1943, HMS Linaria arrived at Horta with the Kaldfonn. They had parted company with the convoy on 4 December 1943.

On 7 December 1943 the convoy split into convoy OS 60 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 34 bound for the Mediterranean. The merchant vessels Alex, Baron Ramsay, Elswick Park, Pandorian and Thistleford were detached to Lisbon.

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Convoy OS 60 was made up of the merchant vessels; Fauzon, Flimston, Gabon, Mary Kingsley, Nassa, Silverteak and Stuyvesant.

These were joined by the merchant vessels Bactria (British, 2407 GRT, built 1928), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), Empire Lightning (British, 6942 GRT, built 1940), Fort Liard (British, 7133 GRT, built 1942), Glenwood (British, 4897 GRT, built 1940), Keila (British, 3621 GRT, built 1905), Riley (British, 4993 GRT, built 1936) and Stanford (British, 5969 GRT, built 1941) coming from Gibraltar which they had departed earlier that day.

These ships had been escorted by the frigate HMS Ballinderry (Lt.Cdr. E.F. Aikman, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Aubretia (Lt. G.D. Fowler, RNR) and HMS Cyclamen (T/Lt. W.S. Joliffe, RNR) which now formed the escort of this convoy towards Freetown.

On 8 December 1943 the merchant vessel Canada (French, 9684 GRT, built 1912) departed Casablanca to join the convoy which she did later the same day. She was escorted by the sloop / minesweeper Annamite which also joined the convoy.

On 14 December 1943, the merchant vessels Lycaon (British, 7552 GRT, built 1913) and Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929) departed Dakar to join the convoy.

On 15 December 1943, the Canada and Fauzon arrived at Dakar after having parted company with the convoy. They were escorted to Dakar by the Annamite.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 18 December 1943. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.

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Convoy KMS 34 was made up of the merchant vessels; Belgian Sailor, Benton Field, Chief Joseph, Clan Forbes, Clan MacBean, Colytto, Empire Chamois, Empire Chivalry, Empire Jessica, Empire Planet, Empire Torridge, Erastus Smith, Fort Alexandria, Fort Augustus, Hardanger, Inventor, Jerome K. Jones, Jobshaven, John M. Harlan, Kerma, Nairung, Narwick, Norefjord, Norfalk, Scorton, Simon Willard, Souliotis, Stad Haarlem, Timok, Tudor Prince, Vera Radcliffe, Wellington Court and William Kent as well as the Fastnet and the President Theodore Tissier.

Escort was provided by the remaining escort from combined convoy OS 60 / KMS 34.

While en-route to the Straits of Gibraltar the Kerma and Empire Jessica were detached to Huelva and Cadiz respectively.

On 9 December 1943 the original escort parted company and entered Gibraltar harbour as did the Fastnet, President Theodore Tissier, Timok and Tudor Prince. The Vera Radcliffe, which had straggled from the convoy, arrived on the 10th.

Off Gibraltar new escorts joined the convoy, these were the AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. D.H. Hall-Thompson, RN), frigate HMS Cuckmere (Lt.Cdr. A. Johnson, VRD, RNVR) corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/Lt. G.W. Rayner, RNVR), HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and HMS Hyderabad (T/Lt. T. Cooper, RNR). The rescue tug HMRT Mindful, minesweeper HMS BYMS 2187 (T/Lt. P. Moore, RNVR), motor minesweeper HMS MMS 20 (T/Lt. L.S. Kay, RNVR) and boom defence vessel HMS Barnehurst (T/Lt. T. Robb, RNR) also joined the convoy.

On 10 December 1943, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy off Oran; Colin P. Kelly Jr. (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), David G. Farragut (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Jade (British, 930 GRT, built 1938), John Blair (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), John Howland (American, 7191 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Stevens (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), Jonathan Worth (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Newton D. Baker (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Richard Rush (American, 7180 GRT, built 1943) and Russell A. Alger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943).

Around 1304A/11, in position 36°55'N, 03°01'E, north-north-east of Algiers, HMS Cuckmere was torpedoed and heavily damaged by the German submarine U-223. She was towed to Algiers but later declared a total loss.

On the 11th the following merchant ships were detached to Algiers; Empire Planet, John M. Harlan, Russell A. Alger as was HMS MMS 20 while the following merchant ships joined the convoy off Algiers; Anglo-African (British, 5601 GRT, built 1929), Argentina (Italian, 5085 GRT, built 1907), Baron Inchcape (British, 7005 GRT, built 1917), Benjamin Tay (British, 1814 GRT, built 1943), Borgholm (Norwegian, 1557 GRT, built 1922), British Endurance (British (tanker), 8406 GRT, built 1936), Cape Hawke (British, 5081 GRT, built 1941), Chester O. Swain (American (tanker), 8146 GRT, built 1921), Empire Tana (British, 6148 GRT, built 1923), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Hjalmar Wessel (Norwegian, 1742 GRT, built 1935), Lesto (British, 1893 GRT, 1918), Marita (Norwegian, 1931 GRT, built 1919), Nolisement (British, 5084 GRT, built 1928), Thorsholm (Norwegian (tanker), 9937 GRT, built 1937) and William L. Yancey (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). Also the motor minesweepers HMS MMS 13 (T/Lt. A.E. Durham, RNVR) and HMS MMS 48 (T/Lt. J.R. Kingdon, RNVR) joined the convoy.

On 11 December 1943, the merchant vessels Empire Daring (British, 7059 GRT, built 1943) and Fort Reliance (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942) departed Bougie to join the convoy while the Borgholm and Empire Tana were detached to Bougie arriving on the 12th.

On 12 December 1943, the merchant vessel Norefjord was detached to Philippeville while the Dux (Norwegian, 1590 GRT, built 1934) and Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942) joined the convoy.

On 13 December 1943, the merchant vessels Belgian Sailor, John Wise, Lesto, Narwick and HMS Mindful were detached to Bone while the Chloris (British, 1171 GRT, built 1910), Empire Gain (British (tanker), 3738 GRT, built 1943), Fort Carillon (British, 7129 GRT, built 1943), Jennings (British, 1148 GRT, built 1943) and Shirrabank (British, 7274 GRT, built 1940) joined the convoy.

Later on 13 December 1943, the merchant vessels Baron Inchcape, Empire Gain, Helmwood, Jobshaven, Norfalk and William L. Yancey arrived at Bizerta after having parted company with the convoy while the Benjamin Huntington (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Daniel H. Lownsdale (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), George Shiras (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943), George Vickers (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Gleniffer (British, 9559 GRT, built 1919), Joel Chandler Harris (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), John Hopkinson (British, 1314 GRT, built 1932), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Volunteer (British, 7174 GRT, built 1942), Patrick Henry (American, 7191 GRT, built 1941), Ponce de Leon (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Tarvisio (Italian, 5484 GRT, built 1927) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930) joined coming from Bizerta. HMS Colombo also parted company with the convoy arriving at Bizerta around 0800A/13.

On 14 December 1943, HMS BYMS 2187 and HMS HMS Barnehurst arrived at Malta after having been detached from the convoy while the minesweepers HMS BYMS 2203 (/Lt. R.D. Adam, RNVR), HMS BYMS 2204 (T/Lt. M.R. Bell, RNR), HMS BYMS 2232 (?) and the merchant vessel Talma (British, 10000 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy.

On the 14 December 1943, the merchant vessels Comliebank (British, 5149 GRT, built 1924), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Fort St. Francois (British, 7125 GRT, built 1942), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Reginald A. Fessenden (American, 7213 GRT, built 1943), Trevelyan (British, 7292 GRT, built 1943) and Vasco (British, 2878 GRT, built 1939) departed Augusta to join the convoy.

On 14/15 December 1943, the merchant vessels Argentina, Benjamin Huntington, Benjamin Tay, British Endurance, Chester O. Swain, Chief Joseph, Chloris, Colin P. Kelly Jr., Daniel H. Lownsdale, David G. Farragut, Dux, Empire Chamois, Empire Chivalry, Empire Daring, Empire Torridge, Erastus Smith, Fort Alexandria, Fort Carillon, Fort Reliance, George Shiras, George Vickers, Gleniffer, Hardanger, Hjalmar Wessel, Jade, Jerome K. Jones, John Blair, John Hopkinson, John Howland, John Murray Forbes, John Stevens, Jonathan Worth, Marion McKinley Bovard, Marita, Nairung, Newton D. Baker, Patrick Henry, Ponce de Leon, Richard Rush, Scorton, Shirrabank, Simon Willard, Stad Haarlem, Stancleeve, Tarvisio, Thorsholm, Wellington Court and William Kent arrived at Augusta after having been detached from the convoy. HMS MMS 13 and HMS MMS 48 were also detached to Augusta.

On 18 December 1943, the merchant vessels Cape Hawke, Fort St. Francois and Newbrough arrived at Alexandria after having been detached from the convoy. They were escorted by HMS Coltsfoot

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 19 December 1943.

6 Feb 1944

Combined convoy OS 67 / KMS 41.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 6 February 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Ary Lensen (British, 3214 GRT, built 1930), Baltrover (British, 4916 GRT, built 1913), Bangkok II (British (former French, 8056 GRT, built 1919), Baron Forbes (British, 3061 GRT, built 1915), Baron Graham (British, 3242 GRT, built 1925), Baron Haig (British, 3391 GRT, built 1926), Belnor (Norwegian, 2871 GRT, built 1926), Boltonhall (British, 4824 GRT, built 1935), Calgary (British, 7206 GRT, built 1921), Cape Wrath (British, 4512 GRT, built 1940), Clan Cameron (British, 7243 GRT, built 1937), Cochrane (British, 7203 GRT, built 1923), Danby (British, 4281 GRT, built 1937), Empire Buckler (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Conrad (British, 7009 GRT, built 1942), Empire Cormorant (British, 5760 GRT, built 1918), Empire Galahad (British, 7046 GRT, built 1942), Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Heath (British, 6643 GRT, built 1941), Empire Lancer (British, 7037 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mallory (British, 6327 GRT, built 1941), Empire Snipe (British, 2497 GRT, built 1919), Empire Unicorn (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), English Monarch (British, 4557 GRT, built 1924), Errington Court (British, 4913 GRT, built 1925), Explorer (British, 6235 GRT, built 1935), Fort Chesterfield (British, 7100 GRT, built 1943), Fort Henley (British, 7138 GRT, built 1943), Fort Livingstone (British, 7135 GRT, built 1942), Fort Michipicoten (British, 7152 GRT, 1943), Fort Poplar (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Fort Prudhomme (British, 7167 GRT, built 1943), Fort St.Joseph (British, 7151 GRT, built 1943), Glaisdale (British, 3777 GRT, built 1929), Gloucester City (British, 3071 GRT, built 1919), Hardingham (British, 7269 GRT, built 1942), Ioannis Frangos (Greek, 3442 GRT, built 1912), Junecrest (British, 6945 GRT, built 1942), King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920), Langleebrook (British, 4246 GRT, built 1930), Leeds City (British, 4758 GRT, built 1927), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Marija Petrinovic (Yugoslavian, 5684 GRT, built 1918), Matadian (British, 4275 GRT, built 1936), Merchant Royal (British, 5008 GRT, built 1928), Neleus (British, 6685 GRT, built 1911), Norman Monarch (British, 7005 GRT, built 1943), Ottinge (British, 2818 GRT, built 1940), Parkhaven (Dutch, 4803 GRT, built 1920)), Pentridge Hill (British, 7579 GRT, built 1941), Persier (Belgian, 5382 GRT, built 1918), Rancher (British, 5882 GRT, built 1927), Rugeley (British, 4985 GRT, built 1936), San Rafael (Panamanian, 5379 GRT, built 1919), Sansu (British, 5446 GRT, built 1939), Silverlarch (British, 5064 GRT, built 1924), Silverlaurel (British, 6142 GRT, built 1939), Starstone (British, 5702 GRT, built 1938), Thistleford (British, 4781 GRT, built 1928), Tilemachos (Greek, 3658 GRT, built 1921), Tudor Prince (British, 1914 GRT, built 1940), Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940) and Wanderer (British, 5079 GRT, built 1925).

The rescue ship Accrington (British, 1678 GRT, built 1910) and the rescue tug HMRT Griper were also with the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carrier HMS Pursuer (A/Capt. H.R. Graham, DSO, DSC, RN), sloops HMS Rochester (Cdr. H.V. King, OBE, DSO, RN), HMS Londonderry (Lt.Cdr. L.B. Philpott, DSC, RD, RNR), HMS Scarborough (Lt.Cdr. E.B. Carnduff, RN), frigates HMS Tavy (T/A/Lt.Cdr. F. Ardern, RNR), HMS Tees (Lt.Cdr. R.A.D. Cambridge, DSC, RNR), corvettes HMS Geranium (T/Lt. G. Wallace, RNR), HMS Mignonette (Lt. H.H. Brown, DSC, RNR) and the A/S trawlers HMS Cape Argona (T/Lt. L.B. Payton, RNVR) and HMS Stafnes (T/Lt. A.T. Motion, RNVR).

Four of the merchant vessels of the convoy had to return to the U.K. due to defects of weather damage, these were; Baron Forbes, Lyras, Silverlaurel and Wanderer.

On 10 February 1944, the escort oiler San Tirso (British (tanker), 6266 GRT, built 1913) joined the convoy from convoy SL 147 / MKS 38.

On 12 February 1944, fighters from HMS Pursuer shot down two German aircraft that were shadowing the convoy.

On 16 February 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 67 and KMS 41.

HMS Stafnes had been detached from the convoy and arrived at Horta, Azores on 17 February 1944.

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Convoy OS 67, towards Freetown, was made up of the following merchant vessels; Calgary, Cochrane, Empire Buckler, Empire Galahad, Empire Lancer, Fort Henley, Fort Livingstone, Fort Poplar, Gloucester City, Leeds City, Marija Petrinovic, Matadian, Neleus, Persier, Sansu and Silverlarch. The frigate HMS Tees of the escort remained with convoy OS 67.

On 15 February 1944, the frigates HMS Odzani (Lt.Cdr. L.A. Sayers, RD, RNR), HMS Aire (A/Lt.Cdr. N.K. Boyd, DSC and Bar, RNR) and corvette HMS Stonecrop (T/A/Lt.Cdr. J.H.S. Fayrer, DSC, RNVR) had departed Gibraltar escorting convoy OS 67G (the Gibraltar section of convoy OS 67) which was made up of the following transports; Agia Marina (Greek, 4151 GRT, built 1912), Appledore (British, 5218 GRT, built 1929), Baron Douglas (British, 3899 GRT, built 1932), Empire Perdita (British, 7028 GRT, built 1943), Ingleton (British, 7203 GRT, built 1942), King Edgar (British, 4536 GRT, built 1927), King William (British, 5274 GRT, built 1928) and Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942).

On these ships arriving at the rendezvous on the 16th the convoy split. The original escort of the combined convoy, minus HMS Tees then proceeded with convoy KMS 41 towards the Mediterranean.

On 16 February 1944, the tanker Neritina (British (tanker), 8228 GRT, built 1943) departed Casablanca to join the convoy. She was escorted by the patrol vessels USS PC-474 (Lt. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-481 (Lt. N.W Roeder, USNR). On this ship joining the convoy the transport Leeds City parted company with the convoy and proceeded to Casablanca escorted by the two patrol vessels. They arrived at Casablanca on the 17th.

On 23 February 1944, the Fort Livingstone arrived at Dakar after having been detached from the convoy while the transports Kedoe (Dutch, 3684 GRT, built 1921) and Madagascar (British, 4861 GRT, built 1912) joined the convoy coming from Dakar. Also the the sloop / minesweeper Annamite joined the convoy.

The convoy arrived at Freetown on 26 February 1944. Some ships of the convoy did not enter Freetown but proceed directly to other destinations.

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Convoy KMS 41, made up of the remaining ships, proceeded towards the Mediterranean with the original escort of the combined convoy (minus HMS Tees).

On 28 January 1944, the following transports / tanker arrived at Gibraltar; Baltrover, Baron Graham, Baron Haig, Empire Cormorant, Empire Snipe, Errington Court, King Frederick, Langleebrook, Norman Monarch, Ottinge, Tilemachos and Tudor Prince as did the rescue ship Accrington, escort oiler San Tirso and HMRT Griper. The escort, made up of HMS Rochester, HMS Londonderry, HMS Scarbrough, HMS Tavy, HMS Geranium, HMS Mignonette and HMS Cape Argona also arrived at Gibraltar.

The following ships of the convoy meanwhile directly entered the Mediterranean; Ary Lensen, Bangkok II, Belnor, Boltonhall, Cape Wrath, Clan Cameron, Danby, Empire Clarion, Empire Conrad, Empire Gareth, Empire Heath, Empire Mallory, Empire Unicorn, English Monarch, Explorer, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Michipicoten, Fort Prudhomme, Fort St.Joseph, Glaisdale, Hardingham, Ioannis Frangos, Junecrest, Merchnant Royal, Parkhaven, Pentridge Hill, Rancher, Rugeley, San Rafael, Starstone, Thistleford and Tynemouth.

On passing Gibraltar they were joined by the following transports / tankers; Arena (Norwegian (tanker), 6362 GRT, built 1927), Harrogate (British, 1029 GRT, built 1925), Palacio (British, 1346 GRT, built 1927), Parame (French, 2337 GRT, built 1918) and Robert Y. Haine (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). Also a new escort joined for the passage through the Mediterranean, this was made up of the following ships; AA cruiser HMS Colombo (Capt. H.W. Williams, RN), minesweepers HMS Hazard (Lt.Cdr. L.C. Smith, RN), HMS Aries (A/Cdr. M.A.O. Biddulph, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Anemone (Lt. J.B. Sparkes, RNR), HMS Coltsfoot (T/A/Lt.Cdr. G.W. Rayner, RNVR), HMS Convolvulus (A/Lt.Cdr. R.F.R. Yarde-Buller, RNVR) and HMS Hyderabad (T/Lt. T. Cooper, RNR).

On 18 February 1944, the transports Palacio, Parame, Parkhaven, Robert Y. Haine and Tynemouth arrived at Oran after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports joined the convoy coming from Oran; Cara (British, 1760 GRT, built 1929), Cornelius Gilliam (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Cornelius Harnett (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), David L. Swain (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Gabriel Duval (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Grand Quevilly (French, 2844 GRT, built 1914), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), James Barbour (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Moray Coast (British, 687 GRT, built 1940), Richard Montgomery (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Thomas Cresap (American, 7200 GRT, built 1943)), Thomas Nelson Page (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Zane Gray (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943). The self propelled fuel barges USS Anticline (2670 GRT, built 1943, Lt. A.R. Byron, USNR) and USS Syncline (2670 GRT, built 1943, Lt. A.E. Nichols, Jr., USNR) also joined the convoy.

On 19 February 1944, the transports Cara, Empire Mallory, Glaisdale, Hardingham, Harrogate, Ioannis Frangos, James Barbour, Junecrest, Merchant Royal and Thistleford as well as USS Anticline and USS Syncline arrived at Algiers after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Benito Juarez (American, 7244 GRT, built 1943), Brighton (British, 7345 GRT, built 1943), Cuba (British, 11420 GRT, 1923), Daniel Huger (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Imber (British, 1899 GRT, built 1920), Nathaniel Macon (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Nebraska (British, 8261 GRT, built 1920) and Samspring (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 20 February 1944, the transport Empire Gareth arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Fort Bell (British, 7127 GRT, built 1943) joined the convoy coming from Bone.

On 21 February 1944, the transports Cape Wrath, Iceland and William Blount as well as HMS Colombo arrived at Bizerta after having been detached from the convoy while the following transports / tankers joined the convoy from Bizerta; Bourgogne (French (tanker), 9357 GRT, built 1937), British Justice (British (tanker), 6932 GRT, built 1928), Nea (Norwegian, 1877 GRT, built 1921), Thomas Pinckney (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942) and William L. Smith (American, 7196, built 1943). The rescue tug HMRT Patroclus also joined the convoy.

On 21 February 1944, the transport Boltonhall arrived at Tunis after having been detached from the convoy.

On 22 February 1944, the transports Empire Clarion, Imber and Moray Coast arrived at Malta as did the minesweeper HMS Aries after having been detached from the convoy while the transport Toscana (British (former Italian), 9442 GRT, built 1923) joined the convoy from Malta.

On 22 February 1944, the following transports / tankers departed Augusta to join the convoy; Empire Opossum (British, 5644 GRT, built 1918), Fort Erie (British, 7128 GRT, built 1943), Newbrough (British, 5255 GRT, built 1941), Nuculana (British (tanker), 8179 GRT, built 1942), Samnebra (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 23 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Augusta after having parted company with the convoy; Arena, Ary Lensen, Benito Juarez, Bourgogne, Brighton, Cornelius Gilliam, Cornelius Harnett, Cuba, Danby, Daniel Huger, David L. Swain, Empire Conrad, Empire Dickens, Empire Guinevere, Empire Heath, Empire Unicorn, English Monarch, Fort Bell, Fort Chesterfield, Fort Michipiconten, Gabriel Duval, Grand Quevilly, Louis McLane, Nathaniel Macon, Nea, Nebraska, Richard Montgomery, Rugeley, Samspring, San Rafael, Starstone, Thomas Cresap, Thomas Nelson Page, Thomas Pinckney, William L. Smith and Zane Gray. HMRT Patroclus also arrived at Augusta.

On 26 February 1944, the following transports / tankers arrived at Alexandria after having parted company with the convoy; Clan Cameron, Empire Opossum, Fort Erie, Fort Prudhomme, Newbrough, Samnebra, Samphire and Toscana. From the escort HMS Hazard, HMS Anemone and HMS Coltsfood also arrived at Alexandria.

The remainder of the convoy arrived at Port Said on 27 February 1944.

11 May 1944

Convoy SL 158.

This convoy departed Freetown on 11 May 1944.

On departure from Freetown the convoy was made up of the following merchant vessels; Antilochus (British, 9082 GRT, built 1906), Atlantic (British, 5414 GRT, built 1939), Baron Elphinstone (British, 4635 GRT, built 1937), Bornholm (British, 3177 GRT, built 1930), Empire Governor (British, 8657 GRT, built 1925), Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942), Fort Douglas (British, 7129 GRT, built 1942), Fresno Star (British, 7998 GRT, built 1919), Generton (British, 4797 GRT, built 1936), Glaucus (British, 7596 GRT, built 1921), Glenpark (British, 5136 GRT, built 1939), Hoggar (French, 5146 GRT, built 1923), Isaac Coles (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Jonathan Holt (British, 4963 GRT, built 1943), Lyras (Greek, 5685 GRT, built 1918), Penrith Castle (British, 6369 GRT, built 1929), Peterston (British, 4680 GRT, built 1925), Queen Adelaide (British, 4933 GRT, built 1936), Sheaf Crown (British, 4868 GRT, built 1929), Slesvig (British, 3098 GRT, built 1938), Stamos (Greek, 3802 GRT, built 1914), Thomas Holt (British, 3585 GRT, built 1929), Tilsington Court (British, 6910 GRT, built 1928) and Topsdalfjord (Norwegian, 4271 GRT, built 1921).

On departure from Freetown the convoy was escorted by the sloop HMS Enchantress (Lt.Cdr. E.D.J. Abbot, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Ness (T/A/Lt.Cdr. R.H. Marchington, MBE, RNVR) and the corvette HMS Pimpernel (Lt. H.D. Hayes, RNR).

Around 1130Z/12, in position 09°14'N, 16°31'W, the minesweeping sloops Annamite and Chevreul joined the convoy. They were then ordered to sweep 30 miles ahead of the convoy as a Support Group which they did until daylight on the 17th.

Around 0800Z/13, in poosition 11°02'N, 18°02'W, the Isaac Coles was detached to proceed independently to Trinidad.

Around 1115Z/14, in position 14°16'N, 17°58'W, the Dakar section of the convoy joined. It was made up of the merchant vessels Gabriel Guist'Hau (French, 2325 GRT, built 1918) and Rutenfjell (Norwegian, 1334 GRT, built 1935) as well as the submarine Atalante. Two of the convoy's merchant vessel parted company and proceeded to Dakar, these were Antilochus and Topsdalfjord.

Around 0700Z/14, the following merchant vessels joined the convoy coming from Casablanca; Empire Peacock (British, 6098 GRT, built 1919), Empire Tristram (British, 7167 GRT, built 1942) and Porjus (Swedish, 2965 GRT, built 1906). They were escorted to the rendezvous by the patrol vessels USS PC-474 (Lt.Cdr. H.C. Hummer, USNR) and USS PC-475 (Lt. W.W. Devine, Jr., USNR) which then returned to Casablanca taking the merchant vessels Gabriel Guist'Hau and Hoggar with them as well as the submarine Atalante.

At 1155Z/17, in position 22°49'N, 18°25'W, the Sheaf Crown straggled from the convoy. She proceeded independently to Gibraltar where she arrived on the 25th.

Around 1400Z/22, the convoy merged with convoy MKS 49(G) coming from the Mediterranean.

On this convoy joining HMS Ness parted company with the convoy to escort the Generton to Lisbon while HMS Enchantress and HMS Pimpernel parted company to escort the Empire Strength to Gibraltar.

Convoy MKS 49(G) was made up of the following merchant vessels; Belgian Sailor (Belgian, 7028 GRT, built 1942), Benrinnes (British, 5410 GRT, built 1921), Bestik (Norwegian, 2684 GRT, built 1920), Blackheath (British, 4637 GRT, built 1936), Caithness (British, 4970 GRT, built 1935), Capitaine Saint Martin (French, 3441 GRT, built 1938), Celtic Monarch (British, 5824 GRT, built 1929), City of Leicester (British, 3351 GRT, built 1926), City of Norwich (British, 6726 GRT, built 1913), Cydonia (British, 3517 GRT, built 1927), Empire Cavalier (British (tanker), 9891 GRT, built 1942), Empire Grebe (British, 5736 GRT, built 1918), Empire Melody (British, 2283 GRT, built 1942), Empire Spey (British, 4292 GRT, built 1929), Fort Brandon (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Baye (British, 7162 GRT, built 1943), Fort la Traite (British, 7134 GRT, built 1942), Gorjistan (British, 5888 GRT, built 1929), Helmwood (British, 2156 GRT, built 1923), Modasa (British, 9070 GRT, built 1921), Ocean Stranger (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942) and Tordene (British, 4271 GRT, built 1936).

The following warships were also part of the convoy; submarines HMS Trespasser (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Favell, RN), HrMs Dolfijn (Lt.Cdr. H.M.L.F.E. van Oostrom Soede, RNN), boom carriers HMS Devon City (4928 GRT, built 1933, Cdr.(Retd.) A. McD. Harvey, RN), HMS Kirriemoor (4970 GRT, built 1935, Cdr.(Retd.) H.M. Montague, OBE, RN) and the landing ships USS LST-197 (Lt. J.E. Neal, USNR), USS LST-326 (Lt.(jg) G.R. Ambler, USCGR) and USS LST-381 (Lt. J.P. Houlihan, Jr, USCGR).

Also parted of the convoy were the rescue ship Dewsbury (British, 1631 GRT, built 1910) and the escort oiler Scottish American (British (tanker), 6999 GRT, built 1920)).

On its departure from Gibraltar convoy MKS 49(G) was escorted by the destroyer HMS Highlander (Cdr. D.A. Rayner, DSC, VRD, RNVR), frigates HMS Foley (A/Lt.Cdr. C.A.H. Bird, RNVR), HMS Helmsdale (Cdr. C.W. McMullen, DSC, RN) and the corvettes HMS Kenilworth Castle (Lt. J.J.Allon, RNR) and HMS Portchester Castle (Lt. A.G. Scott, RNR).

During the afternoon of 24 May, HMS Highlander fuelled from the Scottish American.

Around 1215Z/25, the escort carrier HMS Nairana (Capt. R.M.T. Taylor, RN) and the frigates HMS Louis (Cdr.(Retd.) L.B.A. Majendie, RN) and HMS Inglis (Lt. R.S. Beveridge, RN) joined the convoy.

At 0106Z/26, the frigate HMS Bayntun (Lt.Cdr. L.P. Bourke, RNZNR) joined the convoy coming from Gibraltar. She had been unable to sail with convoy MKS 49(G) and had departed later to overtake and join the convoy at sea.

On the 27th, the frigate HMS Lawson (Lt. J.P. Somerville, RN) joined the convoy coming from the Azores.

Around 1630Z/28, the escort carrier HMS Activity (Capt. C. Wauchope, DSC, RN), frigate HMS Ascension (Lt.Cdr. A. Wilkinson, RNR) and the corvette HMS Carisbrooke Castle (T/Lt. W.H. Forster, RNR) joined the convoy.

Around 0730Z/29, the escort carrier HMS Emperor (A/Capt. T.J.N. Hilken, DSO, RN) and the frigates HMCS Meon (T/Lt.Cdr. S. Balfour, RCNVR), HMCS Stormont (T/Skr.Lt. G.A. Myra, RCNR) and HMCS Swansea (A/Cdr. C.A. King, DSO, DSC, RCNR) joined.

On these ships joining, HMCS Meon and HMCS Stormont fuelled from HMS Emperor and HMCS Swansea fuelled from the Scottish American.

Around 1030Z/29, HMS Louis, HMS Lawson and HMS Inglis were detached.

Around 1500Z/29, HMS Activity, HMS Ascension, HMS Carisbrooke Castle and HMS Hadleigh Castle were detached.

Around 1530Z/29, HMCS Swansea, HMCS Stormont and HMCS Meon were detached.

On 31 May 1944, HMS Highlander and HMS Kenilworth Castle were detached to escort the three USN LST's to Port Talbot.

During the night of 31 May / 1 June, the Empire Governor straggled from the convoy. She did not rejoin.

Around 1330Z/1, HMS Emperor was detached to proceed independently to Moville.

Around 1800Z/2, the Loch Ewe section of the convoy was detached escorted by HMS Bayntun. Also HMS Nairana left the convoy to proceed to her destination ahead of the convoy.

The remainder of the convoy arrived in U.K. waters on 3 June 1944. (2)

14 May 1944

Combined convoy OS 77 / KMS 51.

This combined convoy was assembled off Oversay on 14 May 1944.

It was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afghanistan (British, 6992 GRT, built 1940), Amstelkerk (Dutch, 4457 GRT, built 1929), Badjestan (British, 5573 GRT, built 1928), Beckenham (British, 4636 GRT, built 1937), Belgian Trader (British, 2890 GRT, built 1942), Biafra (British, 5405 GRT, built 1933), City of Khios (British, 5574 GRT, built 1925), Cragpool (British 5133 GRT, built 1928), Defender (British, 8078 GRT, built 1915), Drakepool (British, 4838 GRT, built 1924), Dunelmia (British, 5207 GRT, built 1929), Eloy Alfaro (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), Empire Caxton (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Empire Foam (British, 7047 GRT, built 1941), Empire Mariott (British, 5970 GRT, built 1941), Fort Tadoussac (British, 7129 GRT, built 1941), Gascony (British, 4716 GRT, built 1925), King Frederick (British, 5106 GRT, built 1920), Madras City (British, 5080 GRT, built 1940), Marquesa (British, 8979 GRT, built 1918), Menelaus (British, 10307 GRT, built 1923), Mount Rhodope (Greek, 5182 GRT, built 1919), Nairnbank (British, 5155 GRT, built 1925), New Brooklyn (British, 6546 GRT, built 1920), Norbryn (Norwegian, 5089 GRT, built 1922), Nordeflinge (British, 2873 GRT, built 1942), Pendeen (British, 4174 GRT, built 1923), Port Darwin (British, 8063 GRT, built 1918), Stad Arnhem (Dutch, 3819 GRT, built 1920), Stanhope (British, 2337 GRT, built 1919), Tiba (Dutch, 5239 GRT, built 1938) and Tjimanoek (Dutch, 5628 GRT, built 1911).

The rescue ship Melrose Abbey (British, 1924 GRT, built 1929) was also part of the convoy.

On assembly off Oversay the convoy was escorted by the escort carriers HMS Attacker (Capt. H.B. Farncomb, DSO, MVO, RAN), HMS Hunter (Capt. H.H. McWilliam, RN), HMS Stalker (Capt. H.S. Murray-Smith, RN), frigates HMS Towy (Cdr. H.V. King, DSO, OBE, RN), HMS Anguilla (T/A/Lt.Cdr. C. Morrison-Payne, RNVR), HMS Antigua (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) D.F. White, RNR) and the corvettes HMS Knaresborough Castle (Lt. J.R. Freeman, RNR), HMS Tintagel Castle (Lt. R. Atkinson, DSC and Bar, RNR) and HMS Smilax (Lt. A. Branson, RNR). Additional escorts were the frigates HMCS Matane (A/Cdr. A.F.C. Layard, DSO, RN), HMCS Stormont (T/Skr.Lt. G.A. Myra, RCNR) and HMCS Swansea (A/Cdr. C.A. King, DSO, DSC, RCNR). These additional escorts remained with the convoy until 19 May.

The Stanhope was detached to return to the U.K. on the 16th being unable to keep up with the convoy.

On 15 May 1944, the frigate HMS Jed (Lt.Cdr. R.S. Miller, DSC, RNR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy.

On 17 May 1944, the corvette HMS Leeds Castle (T/A/Lt.Cdr. W.T. Hodson, DSC, RNVR) departed Londonderry to overtake and join the convoy.

The escort oiler Esturia (ritish (tanker), 6968 GRT, built 1914) later joined the convoy at sea. She came from the combined convoy SL 157 / MKS 48.

On 24 May 1944, the convoy split into convoy OS 77 bound for Freetown and convoy KMS 51 bound for the Mediterranean.

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Convoy OS 77 towards Freetown was made up of the following merchant vessels; Amstelkerk, Dunelmia, Marquesa, Menelaus, Mount Rhodope, Nairnbank, New Brooklyn and Port Darwin.

On 23 May 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Gibraltar to join the convoy when it split up; Domby (British, 5582 GRT, built 1932), Empire Glen (British, 6316 GRT, built 1941), Empire Guinevere (British, 7072 GRT, built 1942), Empire Southey (British, 7041 GRT, built 1942), Fort Paskoyac (British, 7134 GRT, built 1934), Harmattan (British, 4558 GRT, built 1930), Van Ostade (Dutch, 2890 GRT, built 1942) and Zypenberg (Dutch, 4973 GRT, built 1920). They were escorted by the sloops HMS Leith (Lt.Cdr.(Retd.) A.W. Preston, RN) and HMS Sandwich (T/A/Lt.Cdr. A.J. Clemence, RNR) which joined the convoy and took over from the original escorts.

On 23 May 1944, the following merchant vessels departed Gibraltar to join the convoy when it split up; Empire Archer (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Empire Dickens (British (tanker), 9819 GRT, built 1942) Empire Duchess (British, 7067 GRT, built 1943), Finistere (French, 1158 GRT, built 1909), Fort Ash (British, 7131 GRT, built 1943), Fort Glenora (British, 7126 GRT, built 1943), Medie II (French, 5078 GRT, built 1922) and President de Vogue (Norwegian (tanker), 9320 GRT, built 1935). They were escorted by the patrol vessel / sloop Amiral Mouchez, minesweeping sloops La Gracieuse and the patrol vessels USS PC-473 (Lt. A.W. Silverstein, USNR) and USS PC-482 (Lt. D.W. Hunter, USNR). These escorts did not join the convoy but set course to return to Casablanca. The six transports joined convoy OS 77 while the two tankers joined convoy KMS 51.

On 24 May 1944, the patrol vessel HMS Kilmartin (T/Lt. E.H.G. Hope, RNVR) departed Casablanca to join the convoy.

On 30 May 1944, the following transports departed Dakar to join the convoy; Tynemouth (British, 3168 GRT, built 1940), Vendome (French, 4192 GRT, built 1920) and Vinriver (British, 3881 GRT, built 1917). They were escorted by the corvette Commandant Drogou and the minesweeping sloops Annamite and Chevreul. These escorts did not join the convoy but proceeded to Dakar taking the transports Empire Southey, Finistere, Medie II and Nairnbank with them.

Convoy OS 77 arrived at Freetown 2 June 1944. Some ships from the convoy did not enter Freetown but continued on to their destinations independently and some ships of the convoy had already been detached before reaching Freetown.

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Convoy KMS 51 towards the Mediterranean was made up of the following merchant vessels; Afghanistan, Bajestan, Beckenham, Belgian Trader, Biafra, City of Khios, Cragpool, Defender, Drakepool, Dunelmia, Eloy Alfaro, Empire Caxton, Empire Foam, Empire Mariott, Esturia, Fort Tadoussac, Gascony, King Frederick, Madras City, Melrose Abbey, Norbryn, Nordeflinge, Pendeen, Stad Arnhem, Tiba and Tjimanoek. The tankers Empire Dickens and President de Vogue had joined from Casablanca [see above].

The convoy was escorted by HMS Attacker, HMS Hunter, HMS Stalker, HMS Tovy, HMS Anguilla, HMS Antigua, HMS Knaresborough Castle, HMS Leeds Castle, HMS Tintagel Castle and HMS Smilax.

The entire convoy arrived at Gibraltar on 25 May 1944.

The convoy continued its passage on 28 May 1944. It was now made up of the following ships; Afghanistan, Bajestan, Beckenham, Belgian Trader, Charles A. Wickliffe (American, 7218 GRT, built 1943), City of Khios, Cragpool, Defender, Eloy Alfaro, Empire Caxton, Empire Foam, Empire Gareth (British, 2847 GRT, built 1942), Empire Mariott, Empire Strength (British, 7355 GRT, built 1942), Fort Tadoussac, Gascony, Hopestar (British, 5267 GRT, built 1936), King Frederick, Madras City, Norbryn, Nordeflinge, President de Vogue, Robert Howe (American, 7177 GRT, built 1943), Stad Arnhem, Tiba and Tjimanoek.

The submarines HMS Trenchant (Lt.Cdr. A.R. Hezlet, DSC, RN), HMS Vivid (Lt. J.C. Varley, RN), Junon and Atalante were also tanking passage eastwards in this convoy.

The convoy was now escorted by the frigate HMS Usk (Lt.Cdr. R.M. Pattinson, DSC, RD, RNR), corvettes HMS Delphinium (Cdr. V.F. Smith, DSO, RD, RNR), HMS Hyderabad (Lt. G.H. Taylor, RNR), KB Nada [Yugoslavian corvette] and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea (Lt. A. Thomas, DSC, SANF) and HMSAS Southern Sea (Lt.Cdr. M.R.J. Terry-Lloyd, SANF). The destroyer L'Alcyon was also with the convoy.

On 29 May 1944, the following ships were detached to Oran; Empire Gareth, Norbryn, Stad Arnhem and the submarine Atalante while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Oran; Albert A. Michelson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Askeladden (Norwegian, 2496 GRT, built 1920), Dwight W. Morrow (American, 7225 GRT, built 1943), Edward H. Crockett (American, 7176 GRT, built 1944), George W. McCrary (American, 7181 GRT, built 1942), James Jackson (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John S. Casement (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John S. Pillsbury (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John Sergeant (American, 7191 GRT, built 1942), Palermo (British, 2797 GRT, built 1938) and William Blount (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

On 30 May 1944, the following ships were detached to Algiers; Belgian Trader, Cragpool, Edward H. Crockett, Empire Caxton, Empire Foam, Empire Strenght, Palermo, Mount Blount and the submarine Junon while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Algiers; Andrew Pickens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Campidoglio (Italian, 3702 GRT, built 1910), Chiswick (British, 6006 GRT, built 1943), Empire Clarion (British, 7031 GRT, built 1942), Fort Gaspereau (British, 7134 GRT, built 1943), Fort Marin (British, 7159 GRT, built 1943), John Murray Forbes (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Louis McLane (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Marathon (Norwegian, 7208 GRT, built 1930), Monte Grappa (Italian, 834 GRT, built 1943), Ocean Gallant (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Samoa (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Samsteel (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943), Stancleeve (British, 5970 GRT, built 1942), Star (Norwegian, 1531 GRT, built 1922) and Titus (Dutch, 1712 GRT, built 1930).

On 31 May 1944, the convoy was attacked by 41 German Ju-88 aircraft from II./KG.76 I. and III./KG 77 operating from Southern France. The Nordeflinge was hit by bombs and sank in position 37°02'N, 03°47'E.

On 31 May 1944, the Montegrappa arrived at Bougie after having been detached from the convoy.

On 1 June 1944, the Askeladden arrived at Bone after having been detached from the convoy while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bone; Abel Stearns (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Iceland (British, 1236 GRT, built 1914), Ocean Rider (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Ocean Traveller (British, 7178 GRT, built 1942), Sampan (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943) and Samphire (British, 7219 GRT, built 1943).

On 1 June 1944, the following ships were detached to Bizerta; Badjestan, John S. Casement, John Sergeant, Titus and the destroyer L'Alcyon while the following ships joined the convoy coming from Bizerta; Facto (Norwegian, 1522 GRT, 1921), George Davis (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), George Handley (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), John B. Hood (American, 7196 GRT, built 1942), John Cropper (American, 7177 GRT, built 1942), Kemp P. Battle (American, 7176 GRT, built 1943), Laurent Meeus (Belgian (tanker), 6429 GRT, built 1930), Lincoln Steffens (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942), Marion McKinley Bovard (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942) and Samuel Griffin (American, 7176 GRT, built 1942).

Early on 2 June 1944, the convoy merged with convoy UGS 42.

Convoy KMS 51 was at that moment made up of the following ships; Abel Stearns, Afghanistan, Albert A. Michelson, Andrew Pickens, Beckenham, Campidoglio, Charles A. Wickliffe, Chiswick, City of Khios, Defender, Dwight W. Morrow, Eloy Alfaro, Empire Clarion, Empire Mariott, Facto, Fort Gaspereau, Fort Marin, Fort Tadoussac, Gascony, George Davis, George Handley, George W. McCrary, Hopestar, Iceland, James Jackson, John B. Hood, John Cropper, John Murray Forbes, John S. Pillsbury, Kemp P. Battle, King Frederic, King S. Woolsey, Laurent Meeus, Lincoln Steffens, Louis McLane, Madras City, Marathon, Marion McKinley Bovard, Ocean Gallant, Ocean Rider, Ocean Traveller, President de Vogue, Robert Howe, Samoa, Sampan, Samphire, Samsteel, Samuel Griffin, Stancleeve, Star, Tiba and Tjimanoek.

The submarines HMS Traveller and HMS Vivid were also part of the convoy.

They were escorted by the frigates HMS Jed, HMS Usk, corvettes HMS Delphinium, HMS Hyderabad, HMS Smilax and the auxiliary A/S whalers HMSAS Protea and HMSAS Southern Sea.